Gynecology

The annual gynecological exam, also known as a well woman exam, is a yearly preventative and diagnostic exam which serves to maintain the wellness of our female patients, as well as monitor any ongoing physical and hormonal conditions. The annual gynecological exam includes a routine breast and pelvic exam, and screening for sexually transmitted diseases, or STD, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. A Pap test may also be performed depending on the age and sexual history of the patient.

The wellness team may also suggest bone density screenings, skin and mole examinations, fasting blood sugar tests and more based on your individual medical history, family history, age and lifestyle habits. On site laboratory services are available.

Female Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is loss of bladder control. Symptoms can range from minor leaking to severe loss of control. While neither condition is serious, they can be embarrassing and affect your daily life.

Urinary incontinence can usually be diagnosed through a medical examination and simple tests. Treatment may include lifestyle changes or medication.

Female Hormone and Menstrual Disorders

As you age, your body slowly ceases to produce estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that thicken the uterus to prepare it for the implantation of a fertilized egg. These hormones also protect the body from developing uterine cancer and osteoporosis. The decrease of these hormone levels is also responsible for many of the symptoms of menopause. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and decide which type of treatment, if any, is right for you.

Menstrual disorders can turn your monthly period from a minor inconvenience into a major, debilitating condition. These disorders can cause physical and emotional symptoms and can severely disrupt your daily life for days or weeks at a time.

While these disorders are not usually serious, they are often painful. Fortunately, treatment methods are usually successful in relieving these symptoms to make that time of the month less significant.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman's ovaries. The causes of polycystic ovary syndrome are unknown but it is known that 5% to 10% of the women in the United States are affected by this condition. It is the leading cause of infertility in women.

If you are experiencing symptoms of PCOS, see your doctor right away. To diagnose this condition, your doctor may perform a blood test or ultrasound. There is no cure for PCOS. Treatment of PCOS focuses on treating the symptoms in order to prevent long-term damage. If left untreated, PCOS can lead to complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or metabolic syndrome.

PMS Counseling & Treatment

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are common conditions that are associated with symptoms related to menstrual periods and can include bloating, cramping, fatigue, moodiness, sleep irregularity and depression. PMS is experienced by most women, but symptoms of PMDD can and should be treated professionally. There is no official diagnosis of these conditions, but if they are affecting your ability to function in your everyday life, they can be considered serious.

Chronic PMS and PMDD can be treated through a variety of solutions. Behavior modification has been found to be effective and includes exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, dealing with stress and not smoking. Birth control pills can often help reduce these symptoms. For PMDD, anti-depressants or counseling may be prescribed.

Breast Exams and Screenings

Breast exams are physical and visual inspections of the breasts. They are an important part of an OBGYN checkup because breast exams can help identify any unusual lumps or suspicious growths around the breasts. In addition, a doctor can teach a patient how to perform these exams at home every month in order to recognize any changes on their own breasts. Breast exams can be a very useful tool for the early diagnosis of breast cancer.

Sexually Transmitted Disease Evaluations

Most sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have no symptoms, so it is difficult to know if you have been infected. Periodic testing is recommended for anyone with multiple sexual partners, even if they are having protected sex, using condoms. It is important to ask your partner if they have or have ever had an STD. We offer safe and confidential STD testing and treatment.

Abnormal Pap Smears

An abnormal Pap smear does not necessarily indicate a condition like HPV or cervical cancer. Pap smears detect any changes within the cervical cells, and abnormal results may indicate other conditions such as inflammation, hyperkeratosis, or atypical squamous or glandular cells. False positives are also common from Pap smears, but every precaution needs to be taken to ensure the patient's health.

If a patient receives an abnormal Pap smear, they will need a follow up examination to make sure that the abnormal cell changes have been resolved. The doctor may perform a colposcopy in order to examine the cervix more closely and take a biopsy of any abnormal tissues. The level of treatment, if any, will depend upon the evaluation of the abnormal cell changes.

Colposcopy

The colposcopy procedure is used to magnify certain areas of the body and diagnose abnormalities. A vulvar colposcopy examines lesions on the vulva and is often used to identify cancer or human papillomavirus (HPV). The colposcopy is usually performed as a follow-up to an abnormal pap smear. The procedure involves the insertion of a speculum and, with a colposcope, magnification of the area to 10 to 40 times its normal size. If any abnormal cells are noticed, a biopsy of the tissue may be done. A colposcopy is a very safe procedure with few complications.

Cystometry

Cystometry is a test to evaluate pressure within the bladder. It is performed on individuals experiencing urinary difficulties which may have occurred as a result of muscle or nerve problems.

Doctors may choose to perform a cystometry if a patient is experiencing urinary problems such as:

Frequent urination

Weak urinary steam

Recurring urinary tract infections

Urinary incontinence

The cystometry procedure generally involves several stages of testing to fully measure the flow of urine and pressure levels within the bladder.

If you would like more information about Gynecology or to schedule an appointment, call us directly at 847.931.4747.